Prison Island Zanzibar: Giant Tortoises and a Historic Past

Zanzibar

Apr 9

Hey fam! It's Leonie and Jasmine, your Zanzibar travel guides from Destinationz, back to share another unique adventure with you. Today, we're setting sail for a small island off the coast of Stone Town with a big history and even bigger residents: Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island.

Prison Island, a Former Prison in Zanzibar

A Short Boat Ride to a Fascinating Past:

Just a 30-minute (short boat ride) from Stone Town, Prison Island offers a captivating blend of history, nature, and close encounters with some truly remarkable creatures. Though its name might sound a bit ominous, the island is anything but a prison today. This captivating destination is a must visit.

The Island's History: From Prison to Quarantine Station:

Prison Island has a fascinating, if somewhat checkered, past. In the 1860s, it was used by Arab slave traders to contain rebellious slaves before they were sold at the slave market or shipped to other locations. It was a key location in the trade of slaves in East Africa. Later, in the 1890s, the British planned to build a prison on the island, hence its name. The plan was for it to be a penal colony for violent prisoners from the mainland. However, the prison buildings were never actually used to house criminals. Instead, it served as a quarantine station for yellow fever cases in the region, including East Africa. The British authorities used it for this purpose. You can still see the remnants of the prison complex and quarantine buildings today. This was meant to stop the spread of disease throughout the Zanzibar Archipelago. It became a quarantine zone for those that had contracted diseases, such as bubonic plague. The island's role in the slave trade forms part of Zanzibar's past.

Aldabra Giant Tortoises in Prison Island National Park

Meeting the Gentle Giants: The Aldabra Giant Tortoises:

Today, the island's main attraction is its colony of Aldabra giant tortoises. These magnificent creatures, some of the largest tortoises in the world, were originally a gift from the British governor of Seychelles in the late 19th century. Many consider them to be amazing creatures.

A Close Encounter: You can walk among these gentle giants, observe them in their natural habitat, and even feed them (under the guidance of the island's caretakers). It's an unforgettable experience to be so close to these ancient creatures, some of whom are over 100 years old! You can even see many tortoises roaming around.
Conservation Efforts: The tortoise sanctuary on Prison Island plays a role in conserving this vulnerable species. This tortoise sanctuary offers refuge and protection. They are allowed to roam freely around the island. The population has grown significantly since their arrival on the island, all thanks to this conservation effort. You will be amazed by the average weight of these creatures.

Beyond the Tortoises: Exploring the Island:

Prison Island offers more than just tortoises. You can also:

Explore the Ruins: Wander through the ruins of the old prison/quarantine station, which offer a glimpse into the island's history and island's transformation. You can still see the prison cells.
Relax on the Beach: Prison Island boasts a small but beautiful beach where you can relax, sunbathe, and swim in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. The surrounding waters are beautiful, and you can even see Stone Town's historic heart from here.
Snorkeling: The coral reefs surrounding the island offer decent snorkeling opportunities. You can rent snorkelinggear on the island or bring your own. You can enjoy snorkeling in the open sea.

Prison Island (Quarantine Island) Guided Tours

Planning Your Visit to Prison Island:

Tours: Most people visit Prison Island on a guided prison island tour from Stone Town. These tours typically include the boat ride to and from the island, entrance fees, and a guided tour of the tortoise sanctuary and historical sites. You can even find a tour guide or local guide that will take you to some of the other islands in the area, such as Nakupenda Sandbank. Some tours even include a stop at a spice farm.
Getting There: Boats to Prison Island depart regularly from the waterfront in Stone Town, near Forodhani Gardens. You can book a tour in advance or simply show up and negotiate a price with one of the boat operators. The trip takes around 30 minutes each way.
What to Bring: Sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and water are essential. You may also want to bring some cash for snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. Also, make sure to bring fresh water for the tortoises. Please avoid disturbing the tortoises.

Prison Island: A Must-Do Day Trip from Stone Town

A trip to Prison Island is a fascinating and rewarding experience, offering a unique blend of history, nature, and wildlife encounters. You can see the natural wonders of this part of the world. It's a great way to escape the bustle of Stone Town for a few hours and explore another side of Zanzibar. This island zanzibar is a must visit. It is the only placewhere you can get this close to giant Aldabra tortoises. Destinationz can show you all the natural beauty on offer at this location.

Let's plan your perfect trip! Book a free consultation with Destinationz and get expert travel advice.

Destinationz: Your Guide to Unforgettable Zanzibar Adventures

At Destinationz, we're passionate about creating unique and memorable travel experiences in Zanzibar. Let us help you plan your visit to Prison Island and other incredible destinations around the Spice Island. We can even help you plan a trip to Zanzibar City or even the mainland of Tanzania.

Book your free consultation call with us today, and let's start planning your dream getaway! We can tell you all about other locations as well such as Jambiani beach, Paje beach, Nungwi beach and Kendwa beach.

Check out our existing travel packages: [Zanzibar Travel Packages]

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Leonie Tanasic

Brooklyn-born, world-traveled, and passionate about curating unforgettable adventures. That's me, Leonie! With over a decade in the hospitality game, I know what it takes to create a truly luxurious getaway. But luxury shouldn't be just for the high rollers, right? That's why I'm on a mission to make those dream trips accessible to everyone.

Whether you're wanderin' through bustling markets, relaxin' on pristine beaches, or discoverin' hidden cultural gems, I'm here to craft a journey that speaks to your soul. From the vibrant streets of Dubai to the tranquil shores of Zanzibar and beyond, let's make some memories that'll last a lifetime!